'It's a Superpower!' Damar Hamlin Reaching Humanitarian Goals After Life-or-Death Bills Scare

After his on-field collapse in January, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is realizing the goals he set when he began his foundation in college

The NFL world came to a screeching halt in January when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field of play. 

In one of the most frightening incidents in NFL history, Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, and remained unconscious on the field for several minutes. Even after Hamlin was rushed to the hospital and the game was called off, there were concerns that he may not make it.

However, Hamlin not only survived the incident, but has recovered enough to return to football. Those in the NFL world and out of it have also rallied around him at every turn, including supporting his charity, the Chasing M's Foundation.

Initially created as a toy drive in Hamlin's hometown of Pittsburgh, the Chasing M's Foundation has now received over $9 million in donations since Hamlin's collapse. In the wake of his horrifying incident, Hamlin's charity has now reached heights he once dreamed of. While the road to get here may have had many bumps, Hamlin is happy to spread positivity above all else.

“I wake up every day and think about how I can impact the world in a positive way, that’s what I care about if you take away everything else,” Hamlin told The Associated Press.

With the surge in extra funds, the Chasing M's Foundation has greatly expanded its scope. In June, Hamlin and the foundation launched a tour to spread CPR awareness and provide local youth programs with life-saving equipment. He kicked off the tour at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, and his next stop is at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Hamlin will visit his hometown on July 9, which the city has dubbed "Damar Hamlin Day."

“I just want to be able to ... take a nation of bystanders and turn them into lifesavers and give them a true superpower,” Hamlin said. “To be able to save a life is a true superpower. Instead of people standing by not knowing what to do, I’m just trying to create more people who do know what to do. This weekend specifically, people in my community.”

Even though he now plays in upstate New York, Hamlin still represents Pittsburgh through and through. He didn't only grow up in the city, but also played for the Pittsburgh Panthers in college. To now give back to the community that brought him up is a dream come true for the Bills safety.

“It’s an area known for football, but it can get overlooked," Hamlin said. It looks like we’ve got to believe in ourselves before anyone else will believe in us. This gives everyone the opportunity to be seen.”

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